Smart City awareness drive rolls out

RMC HAD SOUGHT SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND BLOGS BUT VERY FEW PEOPLE OFFERED SUGGESTIONS

RANCHI: Ranchi Municipal Corporation on Thursday flagged off five raths to create awareness about the Smart City project and seek people’s suggestions.

Ranchi mayor Asha Lakra flagged off the five raths. “Smart Ranchi rath would visit different wards of the state capital and create awareness on Centre’s Smart City project. It would also seek suggestions on how to make our city smart,” Lakra said.

In September this year, RMC had sought suggestions from citizens on Facebook, Twitter and blogs but very few people offered suggestions.

Ranchi is among 100 cities selected under Centre’s Smart City project. Union ministry of urban development has sought final draft of the project from all selected cities by December 15.

The first challenge will be the submission of preliminary draft of Smart City project by November 27.

The Smart City project will be implemented in three phases across the country.

“Creating awareness on Smart City is one of the components. Citizens’ participation in preparation of the project is a must. The Smart Ranchi rath will not only create awareness through street plays and songs but also seek people’s suggestions on their vision and challenges of Smart City,” Ranchi deputy mayor Sanjeev Vijayvargiya said.

Out of 100 marks set out for evaluation of the project, 30 have been set aside for citizens’ participation, an RMC official said.